Knox County voters will need umbrellas as well as their voter registration cards Tuesday, with a line of heavy showers expected to pass through on Election Day.

The worst of the weather, however, may be over by the time polls open at 8 a.m.

Showers, and a possibly a thunderstorm, are forecast for the overnight hours Monday, with half- to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall possible across the Knoxville area, according to the National Weather Service office in Morristown.

The heaviest rainfall should taper off by 10 a.m. Tuesday, with a chance of continued showers lingering into the afternoon as temperatures top out near 71 degrees.

Another quarter- to half-inch of rainfall is expected before skies clear Tuesday night, as an arriving cold front dropping temps to around 45.

Wednesday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, with calm winds and a high near 62. A slight chance of showers persists, with another round of stormy weather expected Thursday night and into Friday.

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A vehicle drives through a large puddle of standing water in the Western and University Ave. intersection during an afternoon rain shower in Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. A flood watch for the area was issued around 1pm until 7pm.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

The midterm choices

The midterm elections offer voters the chance to decide on a hotly contested U.S. Senate race between former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, running on the Democratic ticket, and the GOP's Marsha Blackburn.

The Tennessee governor's race pits Republican Bill Lee against Democrat Karl Dean and, in the Second District congressional race, former Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is running on the Republican ticket against Democratic opponent Renee Hoyos.

Congressman Marsha Blackburn responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Gov. Phil Bredesen and Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Congressman Marsha Blackburn responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Gov. Phil Bredesen and Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn was in Clarksville as NAIFA's guest speaker Thursday. The lawmaker from Tennessee answered questions about health care and other pressing issues on the minds of local professionals in the fields of insurance and financial planning. Tony Centonze / For The Leaf-Chronicle

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (running for senate) and Sen. Lamar Alexander greet citizens as they arrive to talk to media following their tours of ORNL and Y-12 Monday, August 27, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Republican Marsha Blackburn in the Town of Farragut's 31st annual Independence Day Parade Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The parade featured one veteran from each branch of the military serving as grand marshal, and all vets and active military were invited to walk behind the boat. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

In a Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, file photo, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., leaves the House chamber in Washington after the House gave a significant boost to President Donald Trump's promise to cut taxes. While neither of Tennessee’s top GOP candidates, Blackburn and former Rep. Stephen Fincher, has the kind of personal baggage that Republican Roy Moore had in the Alabama race won by a Democrat, both have wholeheartedly embraced Trump at what Democrats hope is exactly the wrong time. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Representative Jimmy Eldridge, District 73, speaks to U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn during a visit by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn at Southwest Tennessee Development District in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

Marsha Berry, left, executive director of the Nashville-Davidson County unit of the American Cancer Society, and Marsha Blackburn, event chairman, make plans Oct. 9, 1978, for the society's benefit party at the new Hickory Hollow Mall. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn speaks to members of SWTDD during a visit by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn at Southwest Tennessee Development District in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

Democratic candidate and former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn shake hands after the 2018 Tennessee U.S. Senate Debate at The University of Tennessee Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, in in Knoxville, Tenn. Mark Humphrey, AP

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn talks with Tennessee Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Rhedona Rose before speaking to members of the agriculture community Aug. 24, 2018, in Nashville. Blackburn is the Republican candidate in the U.S. Senate race. Mark Zaleski/For The Tennessean

Congressman Marsha Blackburn responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Gov. Phil Bredesen and Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, who is running for Tennessee Senate Distilled. 13 greets Marsha Blackburn as she stops by the Rutherford County Republican head quarters to speak to supporters as she runs for the US Senate, on election day, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Pictured, from left, City of Dickson Mayor Don Weiss Jr., wife Lori, Anthony Curcio, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn on Main Street in Downtown Dickson during the Farm to Table even Thursday. Chris Gadd/The Herald

Republican Tennessee Governor candidate Bill Lee and U.S. Rep. and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn celebrate at his primary election night party at the Factory in Franklin, Tenn. on August 2, 2018. Shelley Mays/ The Tennessean

Marsha Blackburn stops at the Rutherford County Republican headquarters to work the call banks and ask voters for their vote in the US Senate race, on election day, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. HELEN COMER/DNJ

U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn sings the national anthem at the Williamson County Republican Party annual Reagan Day Dinner Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 in Franklin, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn will run for the U.S. Senate. The Brentwood Republican's announcement comes days after U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he will not seek a third term. George Walker IV / File / Tennessean.com

U.S. Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn poses for a selfie with Lou Lewis before a rally for President Donald Trump at Municipal Auditorium Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn responds to questions from the media after a Senate debate with Gov. Phil Bredesen at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., takes a question at her town hall meeting in Fairview, Tenn., on Feb. 21, 2017. In her district on a congressional break, Blackburn faced tough questions at a town hall on issues ranging from health care reform to President Trump's appointees. Nearby, more than 100 protesters chanted loudly. Shelley Mays, AP

Marsha Blackburn is hugged and congratulated after being re-elected to the US House of Representative at Williamson County Republican watch party on election night at Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. Shelley Mays / The Tennessean

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) tells the crowd of the one-minute speech she will give on the house floor about Lipscomb Elementary as the school celebrates its 150th anniversary Saturday, November 5, 2016. "Lipscomb has helped youth grow into their fullest potential," Blackburn said. Price Chambers / For The Tennessean

Marilee Martin, left, and Marsha Blackburn, chairs of the Lung Association Christmas Jubilee, show off the Cadillac, fur coat and T.G. Sheppard's hat Nov. 8, 1983, some of the silent auction item up for bid Dec. 1 at the Marriott Hotel. The Cadillac sedan Deville from Andrew Cadillac is valued at $18,125 and the fur coat from Cain-Sloan is valued at $3,000. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

Congressman Marsha Blackburn responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Gov. Phil Bredesen and Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., testifies during a hearing before a Senate committee on July 15, 2014, on Capitol Hill. Blackburn heads the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, which is part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Alex Wong, Getty Images

Model Marsha Blackburn, who moved to Nashville recently from Dallas, is shown with a clean face before makeup from Michal Stansifer, merchandising and promotional manager for Charles of the Ritz in New York, at Castner-Knott Oct. 28, 1975. Kit Luce / The Tennessean

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn talks with area high school students about their marshmallow-based constructions during a team building activity session of Monday's Congressional Leadership Summit at Austin Peay State University. Autumn Allison / The Leaf-Chronicle

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, left, and Google's public policy and government relations representative Ifeoma Ozoma talk during Google's Let's Put Our Cities on the Map event held at Old Glory Distilling Co. on Tuesday morning. The conference helped local business owners understand the importance of a strong web presence. Ayrika Whitney / The Leaf-Chronicle

Patricia Jones, an owner of Jones Lumber Company and Jones Contractors, has been named Statesman of the Year for Congressional District 7. Congressman Marsha Blackburn, left, nominated Jones for the award. Submitted

Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, R-N.C., and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., right, walks to the House chamber for votes as Republicans pushed a divided House Wednesday toward a campaign-season lawsuit against President Barack Obama, accusing him of deliberately exceeding the bounds of his constitutional authority, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Democrats have branded the effort a political charade aimed at stirring up Republican voters for the fall congressional elections. They say it's also an effort by top Republicans to mollify conservatives who want Obama to be impeached — something Boehner said Tuesday he has no plans to do. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite, AP

But the U.S.Senate race has gained national attention as Republicans try to hold onto their majority.

President Donald Trump has made several visits to Tennessee to campaign for Blackburn, most recently at a rally in Chattanooga on Sunday at the McKenzie Arena on the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga campus.

Gov. Phil Bredesen responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Bredesen and Congressman Marsha Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Gov. Phil Bredesen, right, greets, from left, Hannah Clevenger of Gatlinburg Pittman, Mia Wallace of West High School, and Grant Fisher of Pi Beta Phi Elementary Friday, April 24, 2009 at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The three students led the Pledge of Allegiance and are winners of the East Tennessee National History Day competition. Adam Brimer/News Sentinel Archives, Knoxville News Sentinel

U.S. 5th District Congressional Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen, left, and Walter Searcy enjoy a lighter moment during a one-on-one debate at the Doubletree Hotel on Nov. 28, 1987. Both candidates have extended invitations to Bob Clement and Jane Eskind for similar debates. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

Gov. Phil Bredesen responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Bredesen and Congressman Marsha Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen gives the address during Friday's annual University of Tennessee commencement at Thompson-Boling Arena on May 12, 2006. UT graduated more than 3,100 students this spring. Clay Owen/Knoxville News Sentinel

Phil Bredesen, the Democratic nominee for an open U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee, and his wife, Andrea Conte, leave a campaign event at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville on Aug. 21, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen addresses invited guests during the Governors' Proclamation ceremony for the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Friday, April 24, 2009 at Clingmans Dome. News Sentinel

Knox County Commission Chairman Leo Cooper, left, presents former Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen with a scenic painting of East Tennessee during an Industry Appreciation Breakfast April 25, 2000, at Club LeConte. (N News Sentinel

Phil Bredesen, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Tennessee, takes notes after a roundtable held Wednesday, June 20 at the East Tennessee Children's Hospital. TYLER WHETSTONE/USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

Gracee DeJarnette lets Gov. Phil Bredesen know her age following his appearance Monday, April 28, 2008, at a roundtable discussion in Oak Ridge about his pre-kindergarten education initiative. News Sentinel

In this June 14, 2018, photo, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and former Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, talks with David Womack, a farmer and former American Soybean Development Foundation president, during a visit to Farrar Farm in Flat Creek, Tenn. Trade and tariff concerns are roiling high-profile Senate contests across Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania and even North Dakota _ states where Republican candidates are being forced to answer for the trade policies of a Republican president they have rallied behind on virtually every other major issue. Bredesen faces Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., in the November election for the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise) Jonathan Mattise, AP

Phil Bredesen, center, speaks to his supporters after finishing second to Rep. Bill Boner and forcing a runoff in the Nashville mayoral election. Cheering him on is wife Andre Conte, left, from their Union Station headquarters Aug. 6, 1987. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, left and his wife Andre Conte, right, arrive at the White House to attend a dinner hosted by President Obama, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 in Washington. The National Governors Association is holding its winter meeting in Washington this weekend. Associated Press

Dolly Parton sings "My Mountains, My Home" during the 75th anniversary re-dedication of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Newfound Gap. At right are governors Beverly Perdue of North Carolina and Phil Bredesen of Tennessee. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Bredesen waves to supporters at his victory party on primary election night Aug. 1, 2002 in Nashville, Tenn. Bredesen's win as the first Democrat elected statewide since 1994 was one of the major events in one of the busiest political years in Tennessee history. Associated Press

Thom Mason, left Director, Oak Ridge national Laboratory look on as Governor Phil Bredesen, center, signs a copy of ceremonial letter written by E. O. Wollan in 1944. The 1944 letter from E. O. Wollan of Oak Ridge National Laboratory could be considered the origin of neutron diffraction, leading eventually to the construction six decades late of the Spallation Neutron Source and the Institute for Neutron Sciences. News Sentinel

Gov. Phil Bredesen responds to questions from the media after a U.S. Senate debate between Bredesen and Congressman Marsha Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

From right, former Tennessee governors Don Sundquist, Phil Bredesen, and current governor Bill Haslam wait together for the start of the event, Civility & Effective Governance at the Howard Baker Center of Public Policy on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Democratic candidate and former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn shake hands after the 2018 Tennessee U.S. Senate Debate at The University of Tennessee Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, in in Knoxville, Tenn. Mark Humphrey, AP

Mayoral candidate Phil Bredesen, right, listens to a question during his interview after finishing second to Rep. Bill Boner and forcing a runoff for the seat of Nashville mayor office at his Union Station headquarters Aug. 6, 1987. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

In a Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005 file photo, Gov. Phil Bredeson talks about the resignation of Col. Lynn Pitts, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, in Nashville, Tenn. Former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen has kicked off his 2018 Senate run from a position of strength, a known quantity in Tennessee. Associate Press

Gov. Phil Bredesen responds to questions from the media after a Senate debate with U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on Oct. 10, 2018. The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Corker. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

**ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND OF JAN 21- 22 - FILE ** Country music star Dolly Parton does the Hokey Pokey with children from the Blakemore Children's Center asTennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, reads from the book "The Hokey Pokey, " as they announce that Davidson County is now part of the Books from Birth program at the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., in this March 15, 2005, file photo. Imagination Library, which provides children a free book each month up to age 5, regardless of family income, began in Parton's native Sevier County, Tenn., and has spread to 572 communities in 41 states. AP

Dolly Parton shows off her honorary doctorate with Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, and Chancellor Jimmy Cheek during commencement on Friday, May 8, 2009, at the University of Tennessee. (NEWS SENTINEL ARCHIVE)

Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen speaks during a rally Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Nissan Stadium's West Club Level which celebrated the Titans and Predators who came to Nashville when he was mayor. Alan Poizner

Phil Bredesen speaks to members of the media Saturday, October 27, 2018, during a rally at Nissan Stadium's West Club Level which celebrated the Titans and Predators who came to Nashville when he was mayor. Alan Poizner

Democratic candidate for Senate former Gov Phil Bredesen speaks to those in attendance at a candidate forum hosted by the West Tennessee Development Caucus at Country Inn & Suites in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen speaks during a rally Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Nissan Stadium's West Club Level which celebrated the Titans and Predators who came to Nashville when he was mayor. Alan Poizner

U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen waves to the crowd during the 2018 TSU Homecoming Parade along John Merritt Blvd. on Tennessee State University campus Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Democratic candidate for Senate former Gov Phil Bredesen shakes the hands of members in attendance at a candidate forum hosted by the West Tennessee Development Caucus at Country Inn & Suites in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

U.S. Senate candidate, former governor Phil Bredesen addresses the opioid crisis facing the state during the Healthy Tennessee conference at the Hermitage Hotel Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Phil Bredesen and press secretary Alyssa Hansen arrive for a visit at The Learning House on the tax-free weekend in Jackson, Tenn., Friday, July 27, 2018. HENRY TAYLOR/The Jackson Sun

Democratic candidate for Senate former Gov Phil Bredesen answers questions to local reporters at a candidate forum hosted by the West Tennessee Development Caucus at Country Inn & Suites in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

Dierks Bentley, former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, former Nashville mayor and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and Del McCoury wave their towels before Game 1 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 27, 2018, in Nashville. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Former Governor of Tennessee Phil Bredesen shows off a card with his signature he leaves on the podium for Sen. Doug Jones [D-Ala.] as he speaks to the Tennessee Democratic Party Three Star Dinner at the Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon on June 16, 2018. Price Chambers / For The Tennessean

Phil Bredesen joined with other top-tier gubernatorial and Senate candidates at the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival parade.
This is just a taste of what the campaign season will be like this summer leading up to the Aug. 2 primary.
Friday May 11, 2018, in Humboldt , Tenn. Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Former Gov. Phil Bredesen speaks at a ceremony in Chattanooga on Oct. 29, 2015, to name an interstate exchange near the Volkswagen plant after himself and former Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey, right. The German automaker earlier in the day reaffirmed its commitment to build a new SUV at its Chattanooga plant in 2016 despite the fallout from a diesel emissions cheating scandal. Erik Schelzig / AP

With wife Andrea Conte by his side, Phil Bredesen is making his concession speech at Union Station Hotel after falling 7,124 votes short of defeating Bill Boner in the Metro mayor race Sept. 22, 1987. Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean

Jim Fyke, right, who is leaving Metro Parks to become director of State Parks, is joking with Gov. Phil Bredesen at the Parthenon March 26, 2003. Fyke is being honored by Gov. Bredesen at the landmark in Centennial Park. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

Dolly Parton, left, listens to Mayor Phil Bredesen downtown Nashville Feb. 26, 1992, for the unveiling of a new MTA "Dolly Trolley." MTA is expected to unveil other country music stars trollies in the coming months. Bill Steber / The Tennessean

Dolly Parton arrives at the capitol in Nashville, Tenn., with Gov. Bill Haslam, left, first lady Crissy Haslam, and former Gov. Phil Bredesen, right, for the 10th anniversary of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. The foundation distributes books to all children in Tennessee free of charge through age five. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Mark Humphrey, AP

From right, former Tennessee governors Don Sundquist, Phil Bredesen, and current governor Bill Haslam wait together for the start of the event, Civility & Effective Governance at the Howard Baker Center of Public Policy on Thursday, February 21, 2013. The three gathered together in for the event to talk about civility in government. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen gave a key note speech to Knoxville Business leaders on the state's economy and the 2010 budget outlook. There is the possibility that the 2010 budget will be drastically reduced because of the current economic conditions. Friday, February 6, 2009 J. Miles Cary/News Sentinel

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen gave a key note speech to Knoxville Business leaders on the state's economy and the 2010 budget outlook. There is the possibility that the 2010 budget will be drastically reduced because of the current economic conditions.
Friday, February 6, 2009 J. Miles Cary/News Sentinel

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen surrounded by members of the Monroe County Boys and Girls Club look reads through a book the club members made for him. The hand crafted book was advice for the Governor in these trying economic times.
Friday, March 20, 2009 J. Miles Cary/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and state officials held a press confrence Wednesday after touring the site of the Dec. 22 ash pond spill. Bredesen visited the site briefly. jim Fyke Tennessee Dept of Environment and conservation.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 J. Miles Cary/News Sentinel

Gov. Phil Bredesen talks with reporters Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, in the Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. Bredesen has submitted legislation that he hopes will give the state more flexibility to weather the current economic crisis. The governor says the measure gives the state specific tools to help minimize the number of potential employee layoffs and frees up state dollars to help deal with the state budget. AP

Gov. Phil Bredesen answers questions during an interview on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. Bredesen expressed confidence lawmakers will approve sweeping education changes in a special session that begins next week, but expressed surprise that Tennessee's main teachers' union has balked at some of the proposals. AP

Gov. Phil Bredesen signs the state's new budget on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 in Nashville, Tenn. The new budget authorizes an expansion in the state's pilot preschool program and earmarks about $100 million for a so-called "safety net" to help deal with the planned disenrollment of 226,000 to 323,000 TennCare enrollees and increases the state's "rainy day fund" to an all-time high. AP

Central High School seniors Alipssa Tijerina, left, and Absolyn Newberry greet Gov. Phil Bredesen during his visit to the school Wednesday to to talk to students and teachers in the wake of the recent fatal shooting.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Clay Owen/News Sentinel

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen cheer on the Lady Vols as they play against Stanford. Tennessee defeats Stanford 64-48 for the NCAA National Championship at the St. Pete Time's Forum in Tampa, FL. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Gov. Phil Bredesen, center, flies with pilots in the cockpit of a KC-135 tanker on his way to Arizona for a two-day tour of Tennessee National Guard operations along the Arizona-Mexico border Thursday, March 1, 2007. About 400 Tennessee soldiers are currently deployed in Arizona as a part of Operation Jumpstart, involving 6,000 Guardsmen working in support of Border Patrol efforts in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. AP

Governor Phil Bredesen touts the statewide launch of the CoverTN healthcare plan with small business owners and local politicians on Thursday at Fountain City Florist & Greenhouse. Pictured with Bredesen are, from left, State Sen. Michael Williams, Albert Baah of American Exchange Auto Sales, State Rep. Joe Armstrong, Debbie Blackburn of Gentry School Bus Lines, Paul Kennard of Fountain City Florist and Greenhouse, Melinda Stewart of Sea Ray of Knoxville, and Katie Collins and David Collins of Perma Ceram of Knoxville. CoverTN is the state's new subsidized healthcare plan for adults employed by small businesses. Clay Owen/News Sentinel

Gov. Phil Bredesen smiles as he eyes the multi-colored lights in the Kingston Community Center during his visit Wednesday to celebrate passage of a new law boosting at-home care opportunities for the state's low-income elderly.
Sept. 3, 2008 Bob Fowler/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov Phil Bredesen talks with Audrey Nidiffer, 2, Saturday night, Oct. 28, 2006, at the Truman Clark Annex library in Elizabethton, Tenn. Bredesen spoke on behalf of the Imagination Library program and the fact that more than 50 percent of the youth in Carter County are now registered in the program. AP

Gov. Phil Bredesen answers questions about the announcement of Confluence Solar opening a new plant in Clinton, Tenn., during a press conference at the state capitol Jan. 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. GEORGE WALKER IV/THE TENNESSEAN

Gov. Phil Bredesen, center, enters the House chamber to deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. Bredesen didn't include the usual level of detail about his yearly spending plan for the state since he and the Republican leadership in the Legislature have agreed to postpone the budget element until after officials get a better idea the final details of a federal stimulus package. AP

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (cq) talks to media Friday before giving his address during the 2008 Governor's Conference on Tourism at the W.L. Mills Conference Center. The conference focuses on new trends in Tennessee's tourism industry, which employs more than 181,000 with an economic impact of over $13.4 billion.
Friday, September 26, 2008 Clay Owen/News Sentinel

Governor Phil Bredesen holds up his Pre-K bill after a ceremonial signing at the Montgomery Village Child Development Center Thursday. With him from left are Montgomery Village students Alex Carey, Jakeira Davis, and Marvin Hall.
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen visits the Montgomery Village Child Development Center in a cermonial signing of his Pre-K bill. Bredesen is wanting to pre-kindergarten education to be funded by $25 million in surplus lottery money. 2005 Saul Young/News Sentinel

Governor Phil Bredesen applauds the student's at Montgomery Village Child Development Center students like Kris Cammeron who preformed a couple of songs for the Governor during his visit Thursday. In a ceremonial signing, the Governor would sign the Pre-k bill that would fund pre-k education with surplus lottery money. 2005 Saul Young/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, shares a handshake and a laugh with Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton after the announcement on Monday, Oct. 30, 2006, that ServiceMaster Co., a Fortune 500 company that provides housecleaning, pest control and landscaping services will relocate its headquarters from Illinois to Memphis. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Mike Brown). AP

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson (cq), center, laughs with Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, and North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources secretary Dee Freeman (cq) after presenting them with state proclamations honoring the 75th anniversary of the park on Friday at Clingmans Dome. Adam Brimer/News Sentinel